Bring the kids and the camera because you’ve never seen the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden quite like this before. Nearly a million twinkling lights illuminate the paths of this Christmas walking path through the beautiful gardens of this zoo each year in a display that seems to just get bigger and better with each passing holiday season.

The Lights Before Christmas event at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is Columbia's longest running lights display.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Riverbanks Zoo is a 170-acre zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden located on the banks of the Saluda River in Columbia.
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Each year, while the 2,000 permanent residents of the zoo are resting after nightfall, the zoo comes alive in a whole new way: with this annual holiday event that brings families together for a heaping helping of holiday cheer.
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Nearly a million sparkling lights and countless displays fill the walkways and landscape.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

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And visits with Santa fill the hearts of the kiddos who visit and tell the old man just what they want for Christmas this year.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
There's even a Holly Jolly Christmas Parade you definitely want to arrive in time to see.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
After the sun goes down and the chill breaks through the air, find a toasty fire pit to relax for a moment and get warm.
Facebook/Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Maybe even make s'mores around the Jingle Bell Bonfire.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
And be certain to seek out the animated Christmas tree to see exactly what crazy cheer it brings to the evening!
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

In previous years, this event has been dubbed among the best zoo lights in America. Come see why it’s so spectacular.

The Lights Before Christmas will be on display daily at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia through December 30, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The cost is $12/ages 13 and over; $10/ages 2-12, free for those under the age of 2. Learn more at this link on the Riverbanks Zoo official website.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is located at 500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia, SC 29210.

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